Kyle Shanahan: 49ers expect to activate 4 from IR, including Elijah Mitchell, Azeez Al-Shaair, ahead of Chargers game

The San Francisco 49ers will once again be without defensive lineman Arik Armstead when they host the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday night. However, the team expects to get several reinforcements back in time for the crucial Week 10 matchup.

Speaking after Friday’s practice, head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked if the 49ers planned to activate running back Elijah Mitchell (knee), linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), offensive lineman Colton McKivitz (knee), and defensive end Jordan Willis (knee) from the injured reserve list ahead of this weekend’s game.

“Yes,” Shanahan responded.

All four saw their practice windows open this week.

Those aren’t the only reinforcements slated to arrive. Four players who missed Week 8’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams will also be returning. They are wide receiver Deebo Samuel (hamstring), fullback Kyle Juszczyk (finger), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (calf), and wide receiver Jauan Jennings (hamstring).

That means the 49ers will welcome back eight total players who were not available just two weeks ago. The 4-4 team looks to make a run in the second half of the season to overtake the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks and earn a playoff spot.